JERRY WOLKOWITZ Under the watchful eye of his mother, Joanne, Freehold Township’s Michael Castellano signs his national letter of intent to play football at Villanova University.
It wasn’t until Mike Castellano put on the pads as a freshman that Freehold Township’s football coaching staff was aware of what it was getting. Despite not having a Pop Warner background, Castellano came to the township ready to play.
"My father (Michael Sr.) put a football in my crib," said Castellano. "From the first time we played catch in the back yard, I’ve wanted to play football.
"My father took me to high school games and to Giants Stadium," he added. "He taught me the game. He’s always been very supportive. It was never ‘you have to play football.’ It’s something I wanted to do."
Castellano Sr. played high school football in New York City and post-graduation in a number of leagues in the city. Since the younger Castellano first appeared on the varsity team as a sophomore, he has been a force on the football field, a nonstop defensive lineman who never took a down off.
It all culminated last fall in the finest season in school history with a school-record seven wins and the Pats’ first-ever appearance in the state playoffs. For Castellano, the reward for the 2001 team went beyond making school history and earning individual postseason honors. Last Wednesday, the Pats’ irresistible force signed his national letter of intent to Villanova University, Pennsylvania, where he will continue his football career on an athletic scholarship.
"It’s a relief," said Castellano, who was heavily recruited by Villanova and the other Atlantic 10 Conference schools. "I’ll be able to continue playing football."
Castellano took his official visit to Villanova last month and knew he and the school were a match.
"When I met the team, I found there was a family atmosphere among the players," he said. "It was a very tight bond and I liked that.
"I’m very comfortable with my decision," he added. "It couldn’t have worked out better."
Patriot head coach Dominick Lepore agreed.
"We’re extremely proud of him and the four years he put in," said Lepore. "He worked hard and got better as a football player each year. Just as important, he’s an outstanding person. Mike has a natural instinct to lead. Villanova and the A-10 are a good fit for him."
The Wildcats are not looking to change a thing with Castellano. They recruited the 6-3, 250-pound Patriot to play defensive end, the position where he wreaked havoc on offenses. Last fall in leading Township to its 7-3 campaign, Castellano registered 12 quarterback sacks and forced seven fumbles with his earth-shattering hits. He had 60 total for the season.
"What stands out about Mike is his ability to play four quarters," said Lepore. "He plays at one speed all the time — full speed ahead."
Castellano will take that full-speed-ahead attitude to Villanova where he will have the opportunity to compete for playing time and perhaps a starting position as a freshman. The Wildcats play the same 4-3 defense that the Patriots do.
"I’m hoping to make an impact as soon as I can," said Castellano.
Castellano already has the first game of the Wildcats season circled. Villanova is making a trip to Piscataway to play Rutgers University on Aug. 31. It will allow his family, friends and teammates to see him play at the next level, a place where anyone who saw him play at Freehold Township knows he belongs.